Search location by ZIP code

NEWS ARCHIVE

Pine-Richland must allow transgender students to use bathroom that matches who they are, federal court rules

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 11:12 PM EST Feb 27, 2017

Pine-Richland must allow transgender students to use bathroom that matches who they are, federal court rules

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 11:12 PM EST Feb 27, 2017

PITTSBURGH, Pa. —

A federal district court judge ruled in favor of three transgender students at Pine-Richland High School Monday.

Judge Mark Hornak ordered the school district to allow the students touse the bathroom that matches who they are.

Advertisement

The policy was initially adopted by the Pine-Richland school district in September.

In early October Evancho v. Pine-Richland SchoolDistrict was filed on behalf of Juliet Evancho, Elissa Ridenour and A.S., a third transgender student at Pine-Richland High School who is identified by his initials.

The lawsuit argued that restroom policy sent a message that transgender students in the school district were not receiving the same privacy, respect, and protections as other students.

“This is wonderful news and a tremendous relief that we can now use the bathroom without feeling isolated and humiliated,” Ridenour said in a statement after the discriminatory restroom ban was suspended. “The past months have been incredibly stressful, and this was all so unnecessary. There was no problem before, and we are confident there will be no problem now.”

“I feel normal again and it’s great. I don’t feel like an outsider," said Ridenour.

Lambda Legal's chief attorney on the case said it could have far reaching implications.

“To the extent that there are any schools at there in Pennsylvania that are discriminating against or considering discriminating against transgender students. Our message is this. We will see you in court. And unlike Donald Trump, we actually mean it," said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan.